I'm working on a Fair Isle ballet top from Debbie Bliss's Nursery Knits. There is a 5 row section where she uses three colors in each row. I had no problem whatsoever with the OXO section, but this little bit has me baffled. To make matters worse, on the first and fifth row you have to carry two of the three yarns over sections nine stitches long. The Fair Isle expert in my guild was so offended by the use of three colors that he was no help at all. (He's a bit of a curmudgeon.)

Has anyone ever worked with three colors like this before? Does anyone have any suggestions? I would like to get this sweater done so that my child can actually wear it before she outgrows it!

When you carry the yarn, twist the yarn in the back of the work so that it is carried closely to the knitting. This way the loops won't "drag" or get caught by little fingers when putting on the sweater. You should twist the yarn about every two or three stitches (loosely) - be very careful to maintain correct tension so as not to pucker your work.. it's better if the threads are too loose (but secured around each other in the twists) than too tight!

3 colors is not so unusual.. I have a hat design with four colors on one row.. (which is by the way when bobbins come in handy so you don't get completely tangled up! )

When you carry the yarn, twist the yarn in the back of the work so that it is carried closely to the knitting. This way the loops won't "drag" or get caught by little fingers when putting on the sweater. You should twist the yarn about every two or three stitches (loosely) - be very careful to maintain correct tension so as not to pucker your work.. it's better if the threads are too loose (but secured around each other in the twists) than too tight!

3 colors is not so unusual.. I have a hat design with four colors on one row.. (which is by the way when bobbins come in handy so you don't get completely tangled up! )